Departmental Faculty Recognized for Teaching, Research, Service Achievements

Four departmental faculty were recently recognized for their outstanding achievements over the past year — Dr. Sarah Poiani, Dr. Davida Crossley, Dr. Ghanshyam Heda, and Dr. Bonnie Oppenheimer.

On Saturday 5 April, Dr. Sarah Poiani, Assistant Professor of Mathematics received an award from the MUW Alumni Association as the Outstanding New Faculty of 2025.

Dr. Poiani joined the Department of Sciences and Mathematics in August of 2024 and is teaching Intermediate Mathematics, College Algebra, Modern Geometry, Calculus 1, and General Topology for the department.

On Thursday 27 March, at the second annual Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Service Awards, Dr. Crossley, Dr. Heda, and Dr. Oppenheimer were all recognized.

Dr. Davida Crossley, Associate Professor of Microbiology, received the Teacher Scholar Award. The award recognizes an early or mid-career faculty member for the development and/or implementation of new teaching methods or course designs that were generated through scholarship or specific research in pedagogical practices and strategies.

Dr. Ghanshyam Heda, Professor of Biology, received the Distinguished Leadership in Research and Creative Activity Award. The award recognizes faculty who have maintained a research or creative program for at least five years while working at The W.

Dr. Bonnie Oppenheimer, Professor of Mathematics, and Chair of the Dept. of Sciences and Mathematics, received the Faculty Service Award. The award recognizes faculty who have contributed outstanding professional service to the University and/or community.

Students who join the Dept. of Sciences and Mathematics can expect to be taught by outstanding faculty dedicated to undergraduate learning, whether it is in the classroom, the research lab, or in the community.